Basic Queries about Knee Replacement Surgery- Know it All

English हिन्दी

Basic Queries about Knee Replacement Surgery

We will be discussing the basic queries about knee replacement surgery so that you can undergo the procedure stress-free and be at ease.

Knee replacement surgery, also called knee resurfacing or knee arthroplasty, is a common type of surgery performed to relieve knee pain and restore its function in cases of severely diseased or damaged knee joints.

If your orthopaedic surgeon has suggested undergoing a knee replacement surgery, you may have some fears and  basic queries about knee replacement surgery. 

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a type of surgery done to resurface severely diseased or damaged knee joints and replace them using an artificial knee joint or prosthesis.

Why has my doctor told me to undergo knee replacement surgery?

If your knee joint has been damaged or diseased beyond repair, and symptoms like knee pain, stiffness in the knee joint, and limited knee mobility have started affecting your daily life, you may be recommended to undergo a knee replacement surgery.

You may be suffering from one of the following conditions that could have damaged your knee joint:

• Osteoarthritis: It is an age-related degenerative joint disease in which the protective tissue at the end of the bones, known as the cartilage, gradually wears down.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an inflammatory condition that can affect several joints, including the knee joint.
• Knee injuries: Injuries like a torn ligament around the knee joint or a fractured bone can cause severe pain and limited mobility. ( Know more about- What is Bone Fracture? )
• Deformities: Some conditions like bowed legs may need knee replacement surgery to restore the position of the knee joint.

Which doctor should I consult for knee replacement surgery?

You can consult a good orthopedic surgeon to undergo knee replacement surgery. Get knee replacement surgery done by the best orthopedic surgeons in Bangalore. 

What is a good age to undergo knee replacement surgery?

Although anyone having knee joint problems may have to undergo knee replacement surgery, patients who undergo the surgery between 70 and 80 years of age are known to have the best treatment outcomes.

Will a knee replacement surgery treat my arthritis?

No, knee replacement surgery can help treat the damage caused by arthritis and relieve the pain associated with arthritis, but cannot treat the condition. You may get information and get basic queries about knee replacement surgery answered at the best hospitals in India like Manipal Hospital Whitefield. 

What are the complications of knee replacement surgery?

A knee replacement surgery may be associated with the following complications:

• Bleeding 
• Infection 
• Blood clot formation 
• Allergic reaction 
• Fracture
• Nerve damage
• Persistent knee joint pain or stiffness
• Limited knee movement 
• Formation of scar tissue
• Knee cap instability 
• Excessive bone formation around the artificial knee joint
• Dislocation of kneecap
• Ligament or artery damage
• Painful discoloration of the outer portion of the knee or kneecap
• Need to undergo further surgery 
• Loosening of the components of the prosthesis 

What are the different types of knee replacement surgeries?

The different types of knee replacement surgeries are:

• Total knee replacement surgery: It involves the replacement of all the compartments of the knee joint. The end of the thigh bone (femur) is removed and replaced with a metal shell, while the end of the shin bone (tibia) is removed and replaced with a channeled plastic piece having a metal stem. If required, the kneecap (patella) is replaced with a plastic button. ( Know more about- Cost of Total Knee Replacement in Bangalore )
• Partial knee replacement surgery: This procedure is performed when arthritis is limited to only one compartment of the knee joint. The damaged area is replaced with metal and plastic, preserving as much as natural bone and soft tissue as possible.

• Complex or revision knee replacement: This type of surgery is done in severe cases of arthritis, or in cases where two or three joint replacement surgeries have already been done in the same knee.

What is the cost of knee replacement surgery?

The cost of knee replacement surgery will vary depending on the severity of knee joint damage, the health of the patient, the type of knee replacement surgery being done, the technique used, and other factors.

The average cost of knee replacement surgery in India will vary between INR 1,50,000 to INR 5,00,000.

Do I need to make any lifestyle changes before a knee replacement surgery?

Yes, the following lifestyle changes are recommended before undergoing knee replacement surgery:

• Loss of excess weight: If you are overweight, you will be asked to lose any excess weight before surgery to reduce stress on the knee joint.
• Healthy diet: You will be asked to eat a well-balanced and healthy diet to ensure that the body is in the best state for surgery and post-operative recovery.
• Exercise: You will be asked to exercise to strengthen the muscles around your knee joint and help with recovery.

How is knee replacement surgery done?

A knee replacement surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. The surgery is performed as follows:

• Anesthesia: The procedure is either performed under general anesthesia (the patient is made to sleep during the procedure) or spinal anesthesia (numbing the body waist downwards).
• Incision: A vertical cut or incision, which is approximately 6 to 12 inches, is made by the surgeon over the knee to expose the joint (traditional open surgery). Alternatively, the surgeon could make a small 3-to-4-inch incision to push the kneecap to the side and perform the procedure (minimally invasive surgery).
• Bone preparation: The damaged cartilage surfaces at the end of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small part of the underlying bone.
• Positioning of the implant: Metal components are then fixed to the prepared bone surfaces of the femur and tibia. This is done using bone cement or a special type of material that allows the new bone to grow into it.
• Patellar resurfacing: If required, the patella’s underside is cut and resurfaced using a plastic button.
• Spacer insertion: A plastic spacer is then inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.
• Incision closure: The incision is then closed using surgical staples or stitches.

What is the rate of success of knee replacement surgery?

The success rate of knee replacement surgery is very high, with more than 90% of patients having significant pain relief and improved mobility.

The modern types of prosthesis can last for 15 to 20 years or more, depending on many factors like the patient’s activity level, age, weight, and general health.

Is knee replacement surgery painful?

The surgery is performed under anesthesia and, therefore, you will have no pain during the surgery.

It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery. However, you can manage this pain with the help of the following:

• Pain-relieving medications 
• Cold therapy (using an ice pack)
• Keeping the leg elevated to reduce pain and swelling 
• Avoid strenuous activities

How is the recovery after a knee replacement surgery?

The recovery following a knee replacement surgery is as follows:

• Most patients will need to stay in the hospital for one to three days after surgery. Early mobility is encouraged during this period. The patient may initially have to use an assistive walking device like a walking stick, walker, or crutches.
• The patient needs to start physical therapy exercises within 24 hours of undergoing surgery. These exercises are aimed at regaining strength and movement and can continue for many weeks or months.
• The patient may need to modify his or her home and include changes like installation of handrails, removal of tripping hazards, and having some help around to perform daily activities.
• Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to check recovery and address any problems.
• Most patients can resume daily activities six to eight weeks after the surgery and notice a large improvement in pain and mobility. Complete recovery may, however, take approximately three months or more.

We hope that we were able to answer all your  basic queries about knee replacement surgery through this article.

If you want more information about knee replacement surgery, you can contact a good orthopedic surgeon.

We only aim to give you information through the article and do not recommend any medication or treatment in any way. Only a qualified doctor can give you good advice because no one else is better than them.